Abstract

We study the transverse instability of a retracting liquid rim using a long wavelength approximation model and full numerical simulations. We observe that the instability of the rim is driven both by the Rayleigh-Taylor mechanism because of the initial rim acceleration, and by the Rayleigh-Plateau one. The coupling between the rim and the sheet stabilizes the rim at long wavelength. Full numerical simulations are in good agreement with the model and the subsequent break-up of droplets is observed in the numerical simulations when the instability is strong enough.

It is our pleasure to thank Stéphane Popinet and Pascal Ray for valuable discussion. Financial support of the Agence Nationale de la Recherche through the Grant No. DEFORMATION ANR-09-JCJC-0022-01 is greatly acknowledged.